In a small sauce pan, add garlic, parsley, and 1 tablespoon oil, and sauté over medium heat until garlic becomes fragrant – about two minutes.

Add peas and lemon juice to the garlic mixture. Cook until peas are tender – anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes until peas mash easily with a rubber spatula. Mash will be chunky; some peas can remain whole. Alternatively, use an immersion blender or food processor for a smoother consistency. Add water, one Tablespoon at a time, until peas reach spreadable consistency.

Spoon cooked peas into a small bowl and add chopped chives, more lemon juice if desired, and red pepper flakes, and more salt if desired, and stir well with a spatula to combine ingredients.

Line a baking sheet with foil and turn on the broiler in your oven.

Slice bread and lightly brush top of each slice with remaining 2 – 3 Tablespoons of olive oil. Then spread oiled slices with mashed peas, place on baking sheet, sprinkle with black pepper and shredded Parmesan, and broil for just a minute or two until Parmesan is lightly melted and browned.

Alternatively: Place oiled slices (oiled side down) in a hot pan on the stovetop and allow to crisp slightly. Then turn slices over, spread with pea mash, add pepper and Parmesan, and allow cheese to melt slightly.

Plate, garnish with more chopped parsley and/or chives, and serve warm or at room temperature.